RAC?AA inspection?
Discussion
Sorry to sound like a complete dolt, but I'm about to buy a used Chimaera and was wondering if the RAC/AA were any use for inpecting it before buying.
I've used them when I bought a Mazda Xedos (sorry, someone has to buy them) a couple of years ago and the report was really detailed and well worth the money.
Anyone know if they are up to inspecting proper cars?
I've used them when I bought a Mazda Xedos (sorry, someone has to buy them) a couple of years ago and the report was really detailed and well worth the money.
Anyone know if they are up to inspecting proper cars?
I get the impression that if an AA/RAC inspector was to look at even a "good" TVR he'd end up with a list of "faults" that would scare you sh*tless yet *POSSIBLY* miss more pertinent problems simply due to unfamiliarity with the marque.
I think you'd be far better off looking to someone like David Batty (who I have never had the pleasure to meet but everything I hear about him is good) or Steve Howarth (Insane Racing) who I have had the pleasure to talk to and who obviously loves them.
Phil
I think you'd be far better off looking to someone like David Batty (who I have never had the pleasure to meet but everything I hear about him is good) or Steve Howarth (Insane Racing) who I have had the pleasure to talk to and who obviously loves them.
Phil
Don't go with RAC/AA they do not know enough about these kind of cars. An independant specialist/dealer would be your best bet.
Where are you mate? If you are anywhere near Chesterfield give Joolz at Joospeed a call. Not only will he stop you from buying a lemon, he could probably set you on the path to a better car than the one you are looking at for the cash.
www.joospeed.co.uk
Great chap and he won the Pistonheads Customer Service award at Black Tie and Pie this year! A very well deserved award indeed.
Ace-T
Where are you mate? If you are anywhere near Chesterfield give Joolz at Joospeed a call. Not only will he stop you from buying a lemon, he could probably set you on the path to a better car than the one you are looking at for the cash.
www.joospeed.co.uk
Great chap and he won the Pistonheads Customer Service award at Black Tie and Pie this year! A very well deserved award indeed.
Ace-T
Noooooo, don't do it!
Get a proper specialist - the price differential won't be that much if you take the car to their premises. The AA/RAC will be able to tell you if the car is mechanically sound, but they will NOT be able to tell you if there are shut lines where there shouldn't be (ie the factory didn't put them there), if there are features that are not consistent with the age of the car, or what sort of things typically go wrong with a Chimaera - what's serious (ie £££) and what's to be expected. A specialist will also know whether the asking price is reasonable or not.
If you say where you are, you'll probably get recommendations for a good independent fairly local to you.
Edited to say listen to Ace-T - very clever woman!
>> Edited by rude girl on Wednesday 12th November 23:07
Get a proper specialist - the price differential won't be that much if you take the car to their premises. The AA/RAC will be able to tell you if the car is mechanically sound, but they will NOT be able to tell you if there are shut lines where there shouldn't be (ie the factory didn't put them there), if there are features that are not consistent with the age of the car, or what sort of things typically go wrong with a Chimaera - what's serious (ie £££) and what's to be expected. A specialist will also know whether the asking price is reasonable or not.
If you say where you are, you'll probably get recommendations for a good independent fairly local to you.
Edited to say listen to Ace-T - very clever woman!
>> Edited by rude girl on Wednesday 12th November 23:07
and a very big welcome! Sound choice if I may say so. OH
RAC/AA are probably OK, but as you say on a proper car??
Probably better to get an independent to give it the once over. the name David Batty (sp) springs to mind.
What part of the UK do you reside? There’ll be lots around the country and the Tiv owners locale to you, will advise.
Start practicing the Grin NOW!
the vet said:
Nothing of any importance
Oh, another troll; what a surprise
Shouldn't you have your *hand* up some sheep's ar$e this time of night vet? Prunus - have a look at Peninsula. Depends where you're buying the car from - if it's been maintained by one of the good independents (the best have already been named here), you could call them for an opinion.
>> Edited by Big Al. on Wednesday 12th November 23:58
I would agree with everyone else. From personal experience I would not recomend the AA for a TVR. They come up with a list as long as your arm and most of it is rubbish. on mine it said the timing belt cover was missing for gods sake!!!! 
Take it to someone who knows TVRs
P.S. Why the TVRCC recommend the AA or RAC I do not know!!!
Take it to someone who knows TVRs
P.S. Why the TVRCC recommend the AA or RAC I do not know!!!
Well, I'm going to go against the flow, here. I've always used the RAC for inspections on all the cars I've bought over the last 20 years or so, including the Chimaera, and I've always been pleased with the result. And having been on the receiving end, I can see why. I'd have no compunction about using them again.
Prunus
I would definately go to Peninsular rather than westover. However that is only my experience, others down here in Dorset get on with Westovers very well. If you want a good look over an older Chim and a bit of a chat contact me via my profile. I will try and remember to bring my copy of the bible along as well, that has a few good things to look out for that the AA/RAC may miss.
Bob
I would definately go to Peninsular rather than westover. However that is only my experience, others down here in Dorset get on with Westovers very well. If you want a good look over an older Chim and a bit of a chat contact me via my profile. I will try and remember to bring my copy of the bible along as well, that has a few good things to look out for that the AA/RAC may miss.
Bob
Don't go with AA.
Their inspection said nothing too much to worry about so I brought the car.
Had my car 2 weeks and the cylinder head cracked because a belt on the water pump was the wrong way round. While this was being fixed, I had TVR put the car through an MOT. Much more wrong with it.
IT will cost me £3100 to get it back this week.
The AA say because I did not have an advanced warranty They are not reponsible. Makes me wonder what I paid them for?
Their inspection said nothing too much to worry about so I brought the car.
Had my car 2 weeks and the cylinder head cracked because a belt on the water pump was the wrong way round. While this was being fixed, I had TVR put the car through an MOT. Much more wrong with it.
IT will cost me £3100 to get it back this week.
The AA say because I did not have an advanced warranty They are not reponsible. Makes me wonder what I paid them for?
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